Integrating Tradition and Transparency: The Design for Freedom Summit at Grace Farms.

Credits @jacekdolatastudio

I recently had the profound honour of closing the Design for Freedom Summit at Grace Farms. With over 550 leaders from the built environment and 75 forward-thinking students from 30 universities in attendance, the summit embodied Sharon Prince’s vision of creating a safe space for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and action.

I shared my lived experiences as a survivor of modern slavery and insights from two decades of my dedicated work with Local Women’s Handicrafts and the Empowerment Collective. This opportunity to share with industry leaders, students, and changemakers was a moment of profound personal connection and hope.

At the heart of my message was the critical importance of transparency within our global supply chains. Our current economic system continues to perpetuate slavery and exacerbate the climate crisis.

In my presentation, I highlighted the link between the way we manufacture, design, produce, and distribute goods and the persistence of slavery within supply chains.

Looking ahead, my focus remains steadfast on solutions that respect and incorporate the wisdom of indigenous communities. These communities, often positioned at the forefront of the Global Slavery Index, hold the key to creating sustainable, equitable, and transparent supply chains that can revolutionise our global economic system.

The contributions of these time-honoured traditions, when integrated with modern policies and solutions, offer a powerful pathway towards ending modern slavery. It’s a journey towards crafting supply chains that not only meet the demands of our global economy but also do so in a way that honours our shared humanity and the planet.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the Design for Freedom Summit for igniting hope and action. The standing ovations I received will forever remind me of the unity, support, and shared commitment to ending modern slavery.

As you read this blog, please take action.

Educate Yourself and Others: Take the time to learn more about modern slavery and its impact on global supply chains. Share this knowledge with your friends, family, and social networks to raise awareness about the issue.

Support Ethical Businesses: Make conscious purchasing decisions by supporting companies that are transparent about their supply chains and actively work to ensure they are free from modern slavery.

Advocate for Change: Engage with local and national policymakers to advocate for stronger regulations on transparency in supply chains. Encourage them to support policies that protect human rights and promote sustainability.